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Tess squeezed her hand and kept walking "To a special

place"

Katie pulled her hand free "What special place?" Tess felt keenly the loss of Katie's tiny hand in hers, but knew that kind of trust was so she'd have to earn "I don't know I haven't seen it yet"

They trudged through the pasture, passing wild rabbits, granite rocks, and sheep along the way Finally the land dipped and rose, creating a perfect grassy pinnacle overlooking the house, t

he pasture, and Haro Strait Tess led Katie to the special spot and sat down

Evening was just beginning to rass, carrying with it the scent of twilight and wildflowers

They sat side by side After a few moments, Tess scooted closer and touched Katie's chin "Katie?"

Katie resisted the pressure for a heartbeat, then turned her head slightly and looked up

Fear and uncertainty darkened the child's brown eyes Tess understood perfectly There was a tis It was a pain not easily forgotten

She squeezed her eyes shut in a quick, silent prayer

Please, God, don't let me screw up

"II kno much it hurts when people treat you as if you'redumb"

Surprise widened Katie's eyes "You do?"

Tess nodded "When I was about your age, II itis She got really, really sick?the doctors didn't think she would live, but she did Onlynot all of her got better When it was all over, she couldn't hear"